Commissioners donate to horse therapy program

The Curry County Commissioners opened their wallets and their hearts during Tuesday’s meeting to assist a local horse therapy program obtain nonprofit status and grant funding.

Mini Blessings spokesperson Lexie Myers presented a slide show set to inspirational music. As the pictures unfolded, they revealed smiling children waving and other youngsters with arms upheld in obvious triumph. All wore patriotic-themed helmets and sat astride small but regal horses.

The purpose of the presentation was to educate the commissioners about Mini Blessings, a therapy horse-riding program for special-needs children in Curry County.

The three-year-old program is operated entirely by volunteers, according to Myers. She approached the commissioners for assistance procuring a grant available only to nonprofit organizations or government entities.

The commissioners unanimously agreed to act as fiscal agents for the organization and file for the grant on the group’s behalf.

Commissioner Ed Perales donated $100 to the program, with several other officials following his lead and donating as well.

Myers said the donated funds will be used to cover the $500 nonprofit application fee.